FIFTY years after it was opened to the public, Buckland Abbey opened its new Elizabethan garden.

Louise Clarke of the National Trust said the garden was 'a celebration of the two Elizabethan ages separated by four hundred years of history'.

The concept and style are based on the designs and fashion of Queen Elizabeth I in the sixteenth century, but created to mark the beginning of the third millennium.

The original decision to undertake the project was made in 1997 following the sad loss to disease of sixteen ancient yew trees.

An archaeological survey and excavation of the area followed in 1999 and final approval was given for work on the garden to start.

The garden planting has been seriously delayed by the excessively wet weather over the past six months, together with foot and mouth restrictions. Much of the planned planting has now been re-scheduled for the autumn or next spring — apart from nine fruit trees, which include old varieties of apple, medlar and quince.

The trees are to be underplanted to create a flowery mead including periwinkle, daisy, violet, wild strawberry and speedwell.

All the plants will be of suitable period varieties, some of which are being specially grown by nurseries.

A large part of the last year was spent completing the large structural elements of the new garden.

It is hoped to add additional features, including a fountain as further funds and donations become available.